[confusedscared]

I am an impaired nurse and I would like to know what happens when you join the voluntary recovery program and what you need to do after you report yourself. How long does it take to return to work?is work hard to find? I am a single mother addicted to prescription pain killers and I need to get my life back. My addiction started about 4 years ago and I am now 37.I have heard horror stories about the program------can you please direct me..Thanks..

[Soon2BeLpnIn2005]

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? Would you wanna report you're self? Can't you get some vacation time and go to a private detox not affialiated with you're hospital? Then maybe when you check in do not tell them you are a nurse so you will not get reported to the medical board and get you're lisence taken.

I am not a nurse,Just a soon to be student...I have experienced addiction my self and I know it is not easy...I have had like 6months w/ no pills...I know I would be dead not it if was not for me stopping...If I was you I would not risk losing my lisence!!!!!!!!

If you would like to talk some time hit me up on instant message then I could send you my email or somthing.

[1mg.epi]

I do have a little experience in this matter with family some friends.

If you are currently employed, do you have an employee assistance program. If so start with them. It is confidential.

The main thing is you seek treatment before falling a drug test and receiving mandatory treatment and possibly state board of nursing action. Think of it this way. IF you seek treatment, you are seeking medical treatment. Your employer can not access your medical records unless you release them.

Being addicted to pain meds is not a sin or crime. It is something that happens to a lot of people.

The down and dirty is what is your hospitals personnel policy state about drug addiction.

The horror stories you have prob. heard about are those that fail drug screening, and screw up their probation. I have two friends that have given up their RN license that way.

Good luck and god be with you.

[Soon2BeLpnIn2005]

It was so nice meeting you,I really wish I could help you...But I am afraid there isn't really much I can do other then to talk to you and just be there if you want some one to talk to...I could send you a ton of links about diffrent drugs of course but I know that wouldn't do much good because you probley know 99% of any info you would find on these web page links...I know of some places in you're area that will help you with some things temporarly...I will look for the links and send them to you tonight and tomorrow as I find them...I wish you the best and I wanna let you know again if you ever need some one to talk to im here,I go online alot latley and could talk to you whenever...Keep you're head up girl,You know things gotta get better before they get worse...I'll be praying for you.

Much love
Courtney

[confusedscared]

Courtney,
Thanks so much for your help and just listening.
I would appreciate any info that you could give me.
Oh..........and the prayers help too.
Thanks again! L

[zarow]

If I could go back and change anything it would be that I did not accept help at my intervention and lost my RN.If you think you have a problem you do.It is so much better to get help from the board you are anonynmous and you wont lose your license.You will meet others like you and not be so scared any more.Dont risk your license

[All41]

It is not a crime to be addicted to any substance but most certainly a crime not to seek assistance. You are halfway there by submitting your request for help here. We support you 100%. I like the advice given to you of starting with your current employer's assistance program. But I must caution that sometimes that which should remain confidential sometimes leaks out or someone you have shared this information leaks it out knowing you are trying to get help. Especially if that person is a partner in your addiction. No matter where you seek help, just seek it. To deny your addiction may cost you much more than a job and it isn't worth it. Hang in there and be brave. There is a light on the other side. Keep us posted.

[rnjim]

Good afternoon. I have been busy and just read your message today. Congratulations, you have made the first step. Now comes the hardest part. Asking for help. NO ONE can do this alone. I have been in the position that you are in and it sucks. As soon as I realized that there were others who could and would if asked, help me with my addiction, life became much easier. I have had no problems with employment, as I am very upfront about my problems. To attempt to hide the problem is not an answer. Treatment works, if you are willing to work a program. My drug of choice was alcohol, I drank daily and abused narcotics to get through the times no drink was available. It is amazing what we can believe is normal behavior. If I can help in any way, e-mail me and I'll do what I can. But, remember that you are the only one that decides if you can get clean and stay that way. Don't give up!!!!!! jim

[xxxooo]

I think you are describing myself to the exact scenerio 3 years ago. I went to treatment, and then I called the Board of Nursing myself, let them know what was going on.
They will sign you up to a contract for approx. 2 years.
You must pay for and arrange a Physician to order drug testing to be sent to the Board of Nursing for monitoring.
My problem, was income limitations d/t price after I lost
my license. They do look at it favorably if you do it. Admitting to a problem is the first step. hugs

[cricket9698]

DO NOT REPORT YOURSELF!!!!!! Seek treatment if you need it but avoid at all costs letting your employer know. Also if you go to treatment be very wary of the forms you sign. I voluntarily went to treatment for etoh due to problems at home. It has caused me over three years of pain and suffering dealing with these alleged "non-punitive" programs. Also do not go to your employee assistance program. Although they are supposed to be confidential, they are not. They will try to claim some nurse practice act bs and force you into treatment and manadatory testing for the next 3-5 years. I have almost completed my recovery program, but it has been EXPENSIVE and a PAIN IN THE ASS. Seek medical help and a twelve step program but do not let your employer, nursing board or any alleged "non-punitive" recovery programs into your life.